17 Skaukw

 

The Greenwood. Jul 16. 2033

[Coordinates Unknown]

 

Kai lay in bed beside Reba and watched the morning sun apply jigsaw patterns across her glossy hair and brown skin. Her breathing came slow and even as she slept. The branches supporting their treehouse creaked in the breeze and Kai closed his eyes to listen to their voices. He was content. The weariness from yesterday’s ocean crossing had faded and a full night’s sleep had eased the achiness in his limbs. He yawned and stretched, felt Reba stir in her sleep and gently brushed the hair from her shoulders. Reba lay on her side, facing the open balcony and Kai spooned his body closer to hers. She reflexively curved her legs around his and dropped her arm, allowing him to run his fingers along the curve of her waist. He watched the tiny hairs on Reba’s skin stand to attention as his hand moved down her hips. The light captured each fine hair in a perfect silhouette.

Reba turned her face toward Kai and smiled. “I always sleep better when you’re in our bed.”

He smiled and kissed her cheek. “Yeah, it almost makes it worth being gone—this.”

“Mmm, almost. But don’t make a habit of it.”

The sound of an object falling onto the braided rug in the adjacent room startled them. Kai got out of bed and strained to see over the partition of their bedroom. He saw a large raven dragging the leftover venison across the mat. “Monk? Is that you?” The bird paused and stared directly at the naked man addressing him. He made several short clicking sounds and then returned to the chore of removing his meal from its resting place. Kai watched him pull the leg bone—weighing almost as much as the bird himself—along the floor. He laughed and shook his head, “You’ve got it to the edge of the porch now, mate. How do you plan on flying away with it?”

Reba appraised her husband’s lean frame, admiring the ornate Maori tā moko tattoo that sprawled across his broad shoulders and neck. She loved the way his narrow waist transitioned smoothly into well-defined thighs and long legs. Sighing, Reba rolled over to his side of the bed. “What are you looking at, Kai?”

“We have a guest.”

“So I hear. Who or what is a ‘Monk’?” Reba made room for her husband on the mattress.

Kai fell back against the pillows, “He’s this raven that belongs to the new girl.” He leaned on his elbow and smiled. “He followed her all the way over from Haida Gwaii.”

“Ah, but ravens do not belong to someone, my love,” Reba sat up and tossed her head, her hair falling to one side. “They simply decide who they wish to be with and for how long.”

“Then might I assume you’ll stick around with me for a long time, wahine?”

Reba straddled Kai’s waist and placed a hand on each of his shoulders. “I don’t think you have anything to worry about.”

 

As the sun rose higher, the inhabitants of the Greenwood began to stir. Dot woke from a sound sleep to the noises of chainsaws and axes. She knelt on her bed and opened the small window overhead to find the thoroughfare bustling with people. I’m here at last! Anxious to explore her new surroundings, she splashed cold water on her face from the basin on her nightstand and ran her fingers through her hair. She quickly slid on her shoes, grabbed her sweater from a hook near the door and unfastened the latch. Stepping outside, she was greeted by the animated squawking of Monk, perched on the mossy roof. What now, silly bird? Dot raised her hands in a sign of helplessness and the raven shook his head back and forth.

“G’day Dot, you sleep well?” Dot searched around, but couldn’t make out where Kai’s voice was coming from. “I’m up here—right above you.” Craning her neck, she looked toward the tree tops and spotted Kai. Sunlight glinted off the silver pendant around his neck. He was characteristically shirtless, dressed only in knee-length khaki shorts. He leaned on the balcony railing with a steaming mug of tea in his hand. She waved up to him.

“I think your cuz wants his brekkie delivered—do you mind stepping back? I’m going to kick it down.” With that, Kai nudged the bone off the porch and it fell 30 feet to the forest floor, landing with a solid thump several paces from where Dot stood. The raven fluttered to the ground and tugged at the meat. Kai called down, “I didn’t want to toss it while you were asleep—figured it might scare you.”

Stretching her arms, Dot inhaled the green earthiness of her surroundings. Neighbors smiled and nodded as she stood in front of the little guest house. She located the source of the chainsaw noise and watched three men lift a freshly cut log onto an addition for one of the cabins. Kai descended the ladder from his treehouse and called her over, “Come join us for a cuppa.” She smiled and followed him up the spiraling rungs of a giant cedar tree, arriving at the opening between large branches that supported the floor of their home. She saw a rounded room, framed with cedar planks and roughhewn beams, salvaged windows on two walls gave an open and airy feel to the space. At the far end of the room, a pot-bellied stove sat on a platform of river rocks, its blackened stovepipe climbed the wall, jutting out a hole on the side. Dot could see a partition that divided the main room from the sleeping area. Adjacent to the framed opening, was a small kitchen and table. Beyond the dining area was a porch that spanned the width of the house. Dot had never seen anything so unique and cozy.

Reba walked toward Dot holding two mugs. She wore a burgundy wraparound skirt and a white cotton tank top. Dot looked at Reba’s defined arms, thinking that they resembled carved marble. Reba handed one of the mugs to Dot and beckoned her to join them on the porch. Nodding her appreciation, Dot followed her outside. Kai took a seat on the railing, leaning against one of the cedar branches. They sipped their tea quietly and watched the morning’s events unfold beneath them.

Dot observed several family members hanging laundry from lines that ran between trees in their yards. Small children crawled underneath the drying clothes as older siblings played hide and seek among the draping folds. She observed a group of men and women stomping in muddy soil with bare feet, while others poured water into the thickening puddle. She set her cup on a small table nearby and pointed to where they worked, looking questioningly at Kai. He walked over to Dot and looked down. “Yeah, they’re mixing dirt to make cob bricks. Once it’s thick enough, they’ll shape them into the sections that can be stacked together for a house—like the one you slept in last night.” Dot opened her mouth in astonishment. Houses made of mud…in a rainforest? She pantomimed hammering a nail. Kai understood her question and replied, “Yeah nah—no nails, or screws either—at least, not until the roof beams go up.” He smiled at her reaction and continued. “We make the cob houses during the dry months—they’re heaps strong, ay. We give ‘em have time to set and then we seal ‘em before the rains come.” Pointing to the men who were building the log house addition, Kai added, “Most of our homes in the Greenwood are made from trees or the timber that we scrounge from the mining camp a few kilos north. Wood’s something we definitely have no shortage of.” Dot tilted her head to the side and watched the people below stamp about in the mucky soil. She imagined the sensation of mud between her toes and the slurping suction as she lifted her feet. Everywhere Dot looked there were dwellings of all shapes and materials. Houses up in the trees—like Kai and Reba’s, and dug into the earth; yurts, cabins, thatched huts… even a wooden cone house shaped like a beehive. Dot rested her arms on the rail, cupped her chin in her hands and studied the diverse architecture. Kai glanced over at his wife, who was in turn, observing Dot with equal curiosity. He smiled at the two of them—both silent thinkers. Picking his mug off the table, Kai walked back to the doorway. He turned toward them and said, “Right then. I’m going inside to have a lie-down. I’ll leave you both out here for a wee yack.”

Reba finished her tea and set it on the table. “Would you like to see more of our village, Dot?” Looking up at the statuesque woman, Dot felt bashful and unsure of how to respond. What if she can’t understand me? At that moment, Reba smiled and Dot’s shyness melted away. She nodded yes and followed the chief into the house. Kai reclined in a hammock with his book. As they passed through the room, Reba leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. “We’re going on a walk. Come find me later.”

“Chur, love.” Kai laid his book on his chest and looking over at Dot, said, “Táan’s at the beach with Oolie and the rest. You could join ‘em after your tiki tour.” Dot waved to Kai and climbed down the ladder. As she stepped off the last rung, Monk flapped down from the guesthouse eaves, landing on top of her head. Giggling, she tapped her shoulder until the bird hopped down. The raven stretched out his neck, peering at the chief from under Dot’s chin. Reba bowed her head and looked at the bird in the same manner. Dot froze, witnessing their interaction as Monk proceeded to jump onto Reba’s arm and consider the chief’s features. Dot’s eyebrows raised in astonishment—the raven seldom interacted with other people—especially strangers—and not unless food was part of the bargain. Smiling with amusement, Reba returned the bird to Dot’s shoulder. “This is a regal companion you have here. I think he’s been a friend for quite a while—am I correct?” Dot nodded, remembering the strange black bird that alighted on the foredeck of a boat adrift in the North Pacific. She recalled the exhausted and frightened little girl that he befriended and how the bird had remained with the girl for days on end—until the boat was driven aground on an empty beach in Dixon Entrance. She reached up and stroked Monk’s feathers.

Reba motioned toward the pathway, “Come on, let’s take our walk.”

 

For the next several hours, Reba showed Dot around the Greenwood settlement, introducing her to many of its residents. The summer months were busy ones in the heavily wooded village, and the people who lived there were hard at work harvesting, preserving food and repairing homes. Dot observed some women planking sides of salmon onto slender boards, sliding them into a large stone oven. The heavy smoke that spilled out of the chimney filled Dot’s airway with a savory, cedar aroma. Reba walked her through an old barn where a handful of villagers labored over a forge. Dot was captivated by the glowing metal rods being hammered into flattened bars. She noticed an ancient Caterpillar generator, salvaged from the ghost mining camp. It was surrounded by jerry cans of diesel, sturdy workbenches and an assortment of hand tools. Carcasses of old boilers and conveyors were littered around the floor, in mid-process of restoration or cannibalization. Dot marveled at the resourcefulness of the Greenwood’s inhabitants—creating a functional community out of the remote wilds. During their tour, people came out of their homes, sheds and gardens to talk with the Chief and meet her guest. Reba chatted with each of them, inquiring about children, their family’s health and their supplies. The people’s respect and fondness for their leader was evident everywhere they went.

As they arrived at an open meadow on the settlement’s border, a young girl and her dog ran toward them. The dog jumped on Dot, its front paws nearly reaching her shoulders. Monk croaked loudly and took flight, landing on a post several meters away. “Karl, that’s no way to greet someone!” Reba snapped her fingers and the dog immediately laid in front of her feet, his tail wagging enthusiastically.

The little girl bounded up—out of breath, she said, “I’m Lilu-ye, sorry about Karl, he gets pretty excited about new people.” She brushed a muddy paw print off Dot’s sweater. “Are you the one who sailed over here in that pretty boat?”

Dot nodded, taking an instant liking to the girl, who reminded her, no doubt, of her younger self. “May I see your boat—would you please show it to me?” Lilu-ye asked.

Reba placed her hand on Lilu-ye’s shoulder. “That’s a good idea—if Dot’s willing to walk to the shore with you. I must head over to the council house and speak with the scientist. I understand he has quite a story to tell.” She looked at Dot as she spoke, “Do you wish to accompany Lilu-ye to the boats? I believe you’ll find Táan and the fetchers down there as well.”

“Please? Can we?” Lilu-ye clasped her hands together under her chin and jumped up and down. “May I go for a sail in your boat?”

Dot smiled at Lilu-ye and bowed her head toward Reba. Holding out her hand, she clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth and Monk flew back to her shoulder. Reba waved as they walked down the path toward the shoreline. She called after them, “Lilu-ye, I’ll be with the elders in the council house. Bring Dot and Táan back in a few hours—Alright?”

“Sure thing, Skaukw. See you later!”

Dot followed the girl along the winding trail. Lilu-ye made a very informative, if not subdued, tour guide. She babbled on about the families who lived in each house they passed: Who was growing what in every garden; how many goats, cows or chickens resided in each paddock (and often the names of said animals). Lilu-ye’s gossip was interspersed with bossy commands to her distractible dog. “…and then this family of raccoons got into their chicken coop again last winter. Boy, was Mr. Kittle angry! He just about… Karl! Get over here! Quit sniffing in those bushes—last month, Karl got sprayed by a skunk when he stuck his nose in a dead tree trunk…” They walked in this manner for some way, until the dwellings became sparser and dense thickets enveloped the trail. A heavy silence hung around them—as if the forest meant to draw all sounds into itself. Even Lilu-ye quieted as they walked along. No stranger to silence, Dot reveled in the serenity and felt the last two day’s stress slipping away. Tree trunks the size of tractors cropped up, some with knobby clumps of moss growing out of them. The ground under her feet became marshy and Dot noticed pools of water form alongside the path. Soon enough, she was stepping over fallen trees to negotiate the inlets of brackish water. Karl led the way, padding lightly over logs and boulders, occasionally looking over his shoulder to confirm that they were still following. Monk had deserted his human mode of travel for the more expedient method of flight, flitting blithely from branch to branch, always at least four trees ahead. Muffled noises from the direction of the shore reached Dot’s ears. She heard the hearty tenor of Táan’s laugh and smiled. To her, Táan’s laughter felt like raindrops on a blistering hot day. Karl heard the noises as well, and raced ahead to investigate. Lilu-ye resumed her chatter as if she’d merely been put on hold. “…there’s a mama bear that lives in these woods—I’ve seen her twice—she had two cubs with her the last time and one of them was pure white! We call them ‘spirit bears.’ Have you ever seen a spirit bear? Our elders say that they bring you luck—you know, to see a spirit bear in the wild…”

They stepped out of the woods onto a scattered driftwood beach. The crystal-blue Principe Channel rolled by with July’s sun sparkling off the waves. A small crowd had gathered to watch an impromptu game of water polo—opposing goals, made from fish net and old crab pots, bobbed 40 feet from each other, weighted down with small anchors. The fetchers spun their kayaks this way and that in the surf, crashing into each other as they fought for the seal-hide ball. Dot recognized Ooligan and Pasha in one of the double kayaks and Adili paddling by himself. She spotted Táan in the front end of a boat steered by a red-haired man. Lilu-ye narrated the plays from the beach as cheers erupted from the crowd when Oolie scored. Táan’s kayak broadsided Adili’s—paddles clacking together as the players wrestled for control. Táan retrieve the ball, sending it airborne with a flick of his paddle. Dot applauded and Lilu-ye yelled, “Way to go—good steering Asa!” Táan looked up and, seeing the pair on shore, waved just as Pasha rammed their stern. The boat tipped, and Táan and Asa went into the water. The crowd onshore laughed and clapped as the contestants crawled back into the cockpit of their capsized vessel. Dot smiled, aware of Táan’s aversion to swimming.

“Sorry about that, pal!” Ooligan yelled over to them. “Asa had it coming—he dunked us in the last game.”

Asa rolled into his cockpit and located his paddle. As Táan struggled to throw his legs onto the deck, a voice from the crowd shouted, “An orca—out there!” The group looked where the man pointed and saw a shape that resembled an obsidian arrowhead approaching fast.

“Ooh! It’s coming this way!” Lilu-ye screamed.

The kayakers tread in place, transfixed by the whale’s sudden appearance. Orcas were beloved by the Salish people, but no one was accustomed to seeing a whale so close. Adili paddled in reverse, giving the whale room to maneuver. The orca’s black fin moved back and forth as if lapping the polo court. Pasha grabbed the seal-skin ball out of the water and Ooligan yelled over to Táan’s boat, “Let’s concede the game, shall we? This looks like an adult male sgáan—probably found some salmon near the bank.”

Asa started to turn the kayak toward shore, but Táan kept his paddle on his lap, calling out to Dot, “Hey! Would you tell Saka that he’s spoiling the game—we were winning!”

The people on shore turned and stared at Dot. Lilu-ye tugged on her sleeve. “What’s he talking about? Do you know this whale?” Dot smiled. She waded into the shallows and tapped Adili’s arm. He looked up at her as she extended her hand toward his paddle. “Do you want to take the boat out there—where the whale is hunting?” Adili asked.

Táan and Asa paddled toward shore as Pasha and Ooligan stepped out of their kayak and drug it onto the beach. Táan called to Adili, “Give her the boat—you’ll get a kick out of this.” Adili handed Dot the paddle and stepped out of his kayak. She climbed in and adjusted the seat and knocked the paddle against the kayak’s hull. As Dot shoved off from the shore, Ooligan yelled, “Be careful out there, kid—they can be pretty aggressive when they’re hunting.”

Dot pulled the kayak through the water with several long, smooth strokes. She passed Táan’s kayak and rapped the hull near his cockpit. “I’m glad to see you, Kij’,” he said as she went by. The onlookers moved to the water’s edge as Dot paddled her kayak directly toward the dorsal fin. The whale’s spray blew over the front end of her boat as she approached. “What is she thinking?” someone whispered.

Ooligan shot a look of concern toward Táan. He ignored her and leaned back in his seat, grinning as he watched Dot make contact with Saka. Ooligan muttered, “She’s bound to get capsized if she gets any closer, Táan.”

“Shhh—just watch.”

Dot placed the paddle lengthwise along the deck and held out her arm. The dorsal fin tilted backward as the whale’s enormous head appeared out of the water. Saka blew a huge spray from his blowhole, completely soaking Dot. She rubbed her hand to and fro along the whale’s head as Saka leaned into the kayak. Dot let the tip of the whale’s fin run between her fingers as Saka dipped below. She turned in her cockpit and waved. Táan nodded and called behind to Asa, “Come on, let’s go make some more goals!”

Saka emerged a few feet away, rolled onto his side and slapped the water with his pectoral fin. Ooligan, Adili and Pasha stood on the beach, their hands hanging by their sides, watching Táan and Asa’s kayak sidle alongside the whale. Táan called to the shore, “Hey Pasha—throw us the ball!”

Pasha heaved the ball as hard as he could and it landed with a splash. The whale dove again and resurfaced—underneath the ball. Saka nosed the ball out of reach. Táan urged Asa to move the boat closer, but his teammate seemed reluctant to get any closer to the twenty-foot orca. Dot back-paddled, placing her kayak between the whale and Táan’s boat. She scooped the ball away from Saka, dribbling it alongside her hull towards the goal. Saka dove and then suddenly, his tail flukes appeared from under the ball. With a forceful slap of his tail, the whale sent the ball soaring into the air. It landed six-feet from the opposite goal. The crowd on shore roared with laughter and applause. Lilu-ye jumped up and down as Karl barked with exuberance. The polo match continued for almost an hour before Táan and Asa surrendered—cold and wet from their previous spill, they couldn’t keep up with Saka’s nautical acrobatics. As the pair paddled back to shore, Dot lingered in the deeper water and Saka rose beside her. Dot patted the whale’s head, then splashed the surface with her hand; the whale rolled sideways and fell back into the waves. Dot watched Saka sink deeper into the channel, his back arched in an upside-down swan dive. Smiling, she turned the kayak toward shore and paddled back to the beach.

 

The lengthy walk back to the Greenwood seemed to take no time at all. Monk flew ahead as Lilu-ye and the others peppered them with questions about Saka. Dot let Táan explain how Dot had discovered the orca calf near Old Massett eight years ago, stranded amid rocks by the ebbing tide. He told them how they had remained with the whale, soaking him with wet blankets and pouring buckets of sea water over his body, and how, after eight hours of tireless effort by the townsfolk, they had managed to lift the young calf back into the water as the tide returned. Táan described how Saka had swum back into Dixon Entrance, only to have been abandoned by his pod, returning days later, hungry and distressed…. How Dot spent weeks at Massett Bay, wading into the sea to comfort and communicate with the orphaned whale. Dot smiled nostalgically as Táan shared the story of teaching Saka to fetch by using hand signals—eventually moving onto more complex directions and incorporating sounds. He recounted Dot’s rescue of the scientist by sending Saka to find Táan. As the story unfolded, Dot noticed Ooligan looking at her with new respect and she felt as if she’d just passed some sort of unspoken test. The group hiked together, immersed in conversation until they reached the outskirts of the settlement. Then one by one, the villagers said, “So long” and “We’ll see you later” as they turned into their homes. Lilu-ye proudly escorted Táan and Dot to the center of the township.

It was long past noon, and Dot could feel her empty stomach rumbling. It dawned on her that she’d had nothing but a cup of tea since they’d arrived the night before. She placed her hand over her belly. Táan smiled and whispered to her as they walked, “I’m so hungry—I wish I hadn’t polished off those snacks my mom and Marta gave us for the trip. I sure hope there’s something to eat at this council meeting.”

Lilu-ye guided them to the entrance of the Greenwood’s council house. She stopped at the archway and called for Karl. “I’ll leave you here. Skaukw and the elders are inside meeting with your scientist. Just follow the path through those arches.” She waved farewell and patted her hip for Karl to follow. Before turning to leave, she called out, “Don’t forget Dot—I want to sail with you soon!” She took off at a wild gallop after her dog.

“Wow, she doesn’t do anything in moderation, does she?” Táan commented. Dot grinned as she examined the entryway. The entrance to the council house was fashioned completely of vines. On each side of the opening were totem poles that stood twelve-feet high—smaller versions of the giant totems in Old Massett. Intricate faces were hewn into the wood—Dot identified Raven, Eagle, Wolf and Bear on one pole. The corresponding pole bore the likenesses of Otter, Whale, Beaver and Fox. She ran her fingertips lightly over the carvings. Táan nudged her elbow, “C’mon, let’s go.” The branches above them were alive, having been carefully trained into the arched shapes over many seasons. Small leaves shaped like elongated hearts hung overhead and lavender-tinted berries intermingled among the foliage. Dot reached up and touched a cluster of the berries as they walked. The scent was faint, and yet it reminded her of a fragrance from long ago. A memory flashed into her head—the smell of dogwoods… a melody; illusive but familiar … an image of a woman singing in front of yellow curtains wavering in a summer breeze… a voice saying, “Evie, come lick the frosting off the spoon for me.” … A smudge of lipstick on a child’s cheek… But the memory faded as quickly as it arrived. Dot shook her head and followed Táan into a large circular room.

As they entered the spacious chamber, Dot gasped. She stared up at the circular ceiling, its carven branch-work originating from the walls, met in the center—like spokes of a ship’s wheel. Between each of the branches, ran slender planks of cedar, curved to fit the shape of the house. The roof’s epicenter was exposed and Dot saw the evergreens that towered above the council house—limbs heavy with needles. Kim sat in the middle of the chamber. A table laden with food and drink was situated nearby. The others who were gathered rose from their seats as Táan and Dot entered.

Reba placed her hand on Dot’s shoulder and offered her other hand to Táan. “Welcome Bear, my name’s Reba—our people call me ‘Skaukw.’ I’ve heard many good things about you.” Dot blinked in surprise when Reba used Táan’s Yáats' Ýaat'áay name, it sounded strange coming from another. She observed Táan blush as Reba spoke his name. What’s all this? she wondered. Reba motioned for them to join her. “I’m sure you’re both hungry. We’ve saved some lunch for you—please, eat.” Táan handed Dot a fork and they piled large helpings of noodles with clams and mushrooms onto their plates. Dot broke a loaf of flatbread in half and offered the other portion to Táan. They took their seats next to Kim and attempted to eat as quietly and politely as two famished young adults could manage.

Reba turned her attention back to the elders, pacing slowly as she spoke her thoughts, “And so, Mr. Chen and his lethal research leave us with few options: Do we flee? Do we hide? Or, do we resist? We have all heard what its capabilities are, and we know that it—that he, cannot remain here in the Greenwood for long. We must now decide what should be done. I cannot make this decision alone—I’ll need to hear what you, our elders, think.” Reba took her seat at the head of the table. “Please, tell me.”

Dot and Táan exchanged glances as they finished their meal. Kim remained silent, staring at his folded hands. The five elders sat motionless, their eyes focused on some unseen object in the middle of the chamber. At last, the silver-haired man named Kay stirred and, turning his gaze to the Chief, said, “We are all in peril while Mr. Chen remains, that much is clear. It is only a matter of time before HSA will track him to our borders.”

Reba nodded in agreement and Kim glanced up as Kay continued, “I believe we should look to our people first as we consider the choices.”

Gracie Lamdúu clasped her weathered hands together and shook them, saying, “Yes, it’s true that we put ourselves at risk by inviting this man and his strange medicine into our village—this is true. But if we turn him out and do not help find the solution to what has begun, then we will eventually be at greater risk—is that not so?” She looked around the table and then back to Reba. “Surely HighTower will use this weapon against those they perceive as enemies once it is back in their possession. Who seated here does not believe that the First Nations people would soon be on that list?”

Old Ruby Awaa wagged her thumb in the air, “Ha! That’s nothing new. Our people have been on the Wáasdan Ýaat'áay list since they arrived. This is just another means to an end.” The elders nodded their heads in concurrence. Astounded, Dot peered over at Kim, he returned her look with an almost imperceptible nod. A lengthy pause followed as each council participant considered the outcomes of HighTower’s plan.

Reba rested her hands on her knees and sighed. She turned toward the scientist and said, “So then, what is your intention, Mr. Chen?”

“Pardon me?”

“What are you planning to do with the information you possess? You’ve most certainly risked your life getting here—to this country. You have put the lives of your new friends at risk and now the lives of those who are sheltering you.” Leaning forward, Reba looked directly into Kim’s eyes. “So, my question to you is simply this: What do you hope to accomplish, now that you are here?”

Dot set her fork back on the plate. She hadn’t given any thought about what Kim might do with his dangerous research. As far as she knew, he merely wanted to keep it out of the hands of HighTower… but how?”

Kim frowned, running his hand over his sharp cheekbone as he pondered Reba’s question. At length, he replied, “I must find a very important man—he is someone who will know what can be done with this technology and he has the power to make people listen. To accomplish this, I must travel to the city of New Seattle and—hopefully—speak with this individual.” Kim placed both hands together and rested his chin on his fingertips. “However, as you have correctly surmised, while I possess this research and—of course—for as long as I have proof of HighTower’s involvement, I am not exactly a guest you would want to keep around.”

Reba glanced at several of the elders before speaking. “How would we do this—help you find this powerful individual?”

Kim looked around the room in bewilderment. What he saw in front of him was a handful of elderly Natives, two teens and a confident, but naïve tribal leader. He took a deep breath and said, “I appreciate everything that you have done for me so far—and I am forever in your debt—especially yours, Dot,” Kim paused. “But there is nothing that any of you can do against the strength of HighTower. You should not get more involved in this matter than you already are. It will only bring trouble to your village.”

Kay leaned forward on his cane. “It is precisely because of the power that HighTower holds over us, that we must help you, Mr. Chen.”

“I don’t think that you realize how ruthless they are—what they are capable of.”

Reba placed her hands in her lap and spoke softly. “There isn’t a household in the Greenwood who has not lost a family member to HighTower at one time. We’ve all been indoctrinated into their capabilities. That is why we are here.”

Táan nudged Dot’s leg as they listened to the council members relate stories of loved ones who’d been taken or killed by the HSA. Dot bowed her head as the others spoke, but glanced at her friend out of the corner of her eye. Marta’s dead son was in her thoughts as well.

Kim cleared his throat, “Unfortunately, I am unable to send the data through any electronic methods—the risk of HighTower intercepting it is too high. I must meet this man in person, and convince him that I mean no harm.”

Gracie Lamdúu shrugged and replied, “This cannot be so hard. You have managed to persuade an entire village—no, two villages—that you’re a man of good intentions. Surely, whomever this person is, will see that as well—after he hears your story.”

Kim shook his head, “Sadly, I’m convinced that the governments involved and HighTower will have covered their bases; damaging my reputation would only be the first step. I don’t know what story will have been fabricated, but I’m sure it won’t be a good one… By now, I am most likely a terrorist or doomsday fanatic.”

“Who is the person that you’re searching for? Does he know who you are—or who you were?” Reba asked.

Kim replied, “His name is Raj Kaleka, he is the president of a very powerful organization called ‘ATHENS.’ Powerful enough that they alone can stand up to HighTower—in fact, on many occasions, Mr. Kaleka has condemned HSA’s humanitarian violations. His organization is no friend to HighTower.”

Táan cleared his throat, “Excuse me, I know I’m not part of this council or anything… I was just wondering though, what makes you think this guy wants to get in the middle of some genetic-weapon conflict? I mean, doesn’t he have enough other stuff to do—that is, if he’s such an important person?” Táan fidgeted as he realized everyone’s eyes were upon him. “I don’t mean to shoot holes in your theory Kim, but what’s stopping this Raj guy from just handing you over to the authorities, providing you could even set up a meeting with him?”

Dot looked from Kim’s face to Táan’s and then to Reba’s. There was an expression of concern written on all of them. Kim took a deep breath before he answered. “There is nothing to stop him from doing exactly that.” Turning to face Dot, he continued, “There’s nothing to say that he wouldn’t either. I have to believe, that there is goodness that will show itself when it is needed. For instance, if Dot had not stopped to help me—and if she hadn’t sent for you, Táan … If Marta, Russell, Doc and now all of you gathered here, had not listened to my story and decided to believe me, to consider helping me… What can I say? I can only try. If I don’t try and fix this somehow, then that which is good will eventually be lost. And power, greed and fear will be all that remains.”

Reba stood up and walked to the center of the chamber. Clasping her hands behind her, she looked up through the opening and watched the shadows form between the evergreens. She spoke her words toward the branches. “The research Mr. Chen possesses cannot remain here in the Greenwood; we are not strong enough to hide it from the HSA. Mr. Chen should find this president of ATHENS, and expose HighTower’s involvement. Although, he can’t go alone—especially in his present condition.” Reba turned to the elders. “I think it is up to us now to help him.”

Kay grasped his cane for support and leveraged himself off the bench. Standing upright, he bowed his head. “Na chan. I agree, Skaukw.” One by one, the elders stood and repeated the words that Kay had spoken. Dot and Táan watched as they solemnly bowed, then left the chamber. The room became quiet. Reba rubbed her shoulders, slowly stretching the muscles of her neck. With an ironic smile, she said, “Well then, Mr. Chen. I suppose we must now make a plan.”